Remote Desktop Connection: "This computer can't connect to the remote computer"

I'm unable to connect remotely to one of a number of servers on the network running 2012 R2 using the Windows RDC client.

Here is the error:

enter image description here

So far I've done the following:

  • Ping the server in question. Connectivity = fine.
  • Checked Remote Desktop is enabled (system properties > remote > allow remote connections to this computer)
  • Windows firewall is currently turned OFF for all profiles (domain, private, public)
  • telnet from another machine on the network to the server on port 3389: I just get a blank cursor, no connection
  • run netstat -o -a to check the server is listening on port 3389. It is, see below:

TCP 0.0.0.0:3389 servername:0 LISTENING 3236

  • I have also run qwinsta to check the RDC service is listening, see pic below:

enter image description here

  • I have rebooted the server, checked firewall on the client (and tested from multiple clients)
  • Nothing in event logs
  • I have changed the listening port (regedit > hklm\System\CurrentControlSet\Control\Terminal Server\WinStations\RDP-Tcp port) and done all of the above, same happens. netstat shows the node is listening on 3390 but can't connect by RDC client or telnet on that new port.

I followed this unusually thorough article on support.microsoft.com (despite it seems to refer to Server 2003) to troubleshoot further.

I'm concluding that I should somehow find a way to blat the RDC service and rebuild it. Is that possible?


Had the same problem, here is my solution:

It actually happens to be a problem with the security layer negotiation between the RDP-Host and RDP-Client. Long story short, I had to manipulate a RDP-file on text level and had to change the following value:

negotiate security layer:i:0

Give it a try, maybe it helps you aswell